Did Priest Break Seal Of Confession?

National Catholic Register ^ | 4/22/10 | Patrick Archbold

[marcbold]

In all the media hype surrounding the sex abuse scandal, haters of the Church have wondered if that scandal could destroy the Church and the priesthood. The short answer is no, but a scandal like this one could. (Not destroy permanently, of course. Nothing could do that.)

Father David Verhasselt, a priest in the parish of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in the diocese of Milwaukee, has been placed on administrative leave because he is under investigation for breaking the seal of confession.

The charge is so serious that Archbishop Jerome Listecki has even barred Fr. Verhasselt from visiting the church.

According to local news in Milwaukee ...

[TSgt]

Rape children all you want and cover it up, just don’t break the seal of confession.

[Irisshlass]

Are you Catholic?

[ArrogantBustard]

That is an astonishingly ignorant remark.

[Alex Murphy]

Father David Verhasselt, a priest in the parish of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in the diocese of Milwaukee, has been placed on administrative leave because he is under investigation for breaking the seal of confession.

The article begins with a statement about the abuse crisis within the Catholic Church, but doesn't say how it's connected to this story. Did Fr. Verhasselt hear a confession about abuse and ratted on the confessor, or is the connection only in that the issues (sexual abuse and "breaking the seal") are both considered scandalous?

[LonePalm]

Do you feel the same way about Attorney/Client and Doctor/Patient privilege?

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

[Angry_White_Man_Syndrome]

Wow, it usually takes at least 3 post before the Catholic bashers arrive.

[laotzu]

The beloved Church chose it’s own protection over that of the flock. That is a sin, and a damn shame. It is that which is bringing down the Church, not the “haters”.

[ArrogantBustard]

It pays to know the meaning of the words you use.

Confessor = the priest hearing a confession.

Penitent = the repentant sinner making the confession.

[Alex Murphy]

It pays to know the meaning of the words you use.

Confessor = the priest hearing a confession.
Penitent = the repentant sinner making the confession.

Thanks for the correction. Where do I pick up my check?

[TSgt]

Do you feel the same way about Attorney/Client and Doctor/Patient privilege?

1. Any faith that believes its okay to keep child rape a secret is evil.

2. Attorney/Client privilege does not protect committing a crime or tort.

3. Doctor/Patient privilege also does not include protecting those who are actively committing crimes.

[Irisshlass]

Reading other Catholic threads..this bashing has been going on for weeks...they sure don’t like it when articles are posted against their church.

[Irisshlass]

What church do you belong to?

[LonePalm]

Frith, care to chime in on this?

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

[Irisshlass]

The Church is not going down, it will Never go down...Christ has stated it will not.

[verity]

"Wow, it usually takes at least 3 post before the Catholic bashers arrive."

And only 2 posts for Mormon bashers....lol

[laotzu]

the Catholic bashers

Yes. We should not talk about pedophile rapes, and those who enable them. Our greatest concern must remain on quashing concern. All else is trivial. Truly, the greatest sin is against the Church.

[Irisshlass]

Ping

[TSgt]

Are you Catholic?

What difference does it make?

A satan worshiper or atheist could objectively look at the situation and give a more accurate opinion about the situation than what is coming from the RCC.

[verity]

Here is your check..lol..